Revelation 1:9

Authorized King James Version

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#2
Ἰωάννης
John
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
#3
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ἀδελφὸς
G80
brother
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#6
ὑμῶν
am your
of (from or concerning) you
#7
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
συγκοινωνὸς
companion
a co-participant
#9
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θλίψει
tribulation
pressure (literally or figuratively)
#12
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βασιλείᾳ
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#16
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὑπομονῇ
patience
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
#18
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#19
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#20
ἐγενόμην
was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
νήσῳ
the isle
an island
#24
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
καλουμένῃ
that is called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#26
Πάτμῳ
Patmos
patmus, an islet in the mediterranean
#27
διὰ
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#28
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
λόγον
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#30
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
θεοῦ
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#32
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#33
διὰ
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#34
τὴν
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
μαρτυρίαν
the testimony
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#36
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#37
Χριστοῦ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

This verse is part of John's apocalyptic vision of the glorified Christ. The symbolism connects to Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly from Daniel and Ezekiel, while revealing Christ's divine nature and authority. The imagery of patience of jesus contributes to the overall majestic portrayal.

Historical Context

Written during a time of imperial persecution under Domitian, this vision would have encouraged believers to remain faithful despite opposition. The apocalyptic imagery draws on Jewish prophetic traditions while speaking to the specific challenges faced by first-century Christians in Asia Minor.

Questions for Reflection